A quick post to say at 1630hrs today I drove away from my BMW dealer in my new M3.

I have driven 124 miles in her and am still recovering from the reality of finally having her.

Having had a particularly dreadful week at work and some late nights I will have to write my first thoughts tomorrow - after I have done another 200 miles or so. I will also take some photos - SPACE GREY is awesome on her! The car is far far better than I could have imagined.

I'll end on one word for now - spectacular!

EDIT (review added):

Quote:

OK – so as promised here is my story so far along with my first thoughts on what is a truly spectacular car.

I arrived at my dealer 1345 hrs, anxiously looking around for a space grey M3 – nothing was spotted outside. I went in and was greeted by the smooth sales manager who directed me to one of his M3 guys. After the usual greetings we sat down and he asked “you been waiting long for this…..? I laughed and obviously looked like “what do you think dude?” He then said, “I’ll go and fetch her.” Five minutes later he came back and we walked out to the front of the showroom. He had reversed her up so as I walked outside the first thing I saw was the left rear arch which then led to the whole beautiful thing. I stood behind the rear and just looked for a minute in silence. I’m not quite sure why I did – I guess the shock of actually seeing “my” car after a long wait, the beauty of her etc. A few other people were there and they all commented on what an awesome car she was.

He then said should I start her up? I said no – I will, so I got in, adjusted the seat, put the key in, pressed the clutch down and pressed the starter key. A mix of electronics and the bursting into life of a metallic V8 – which initially is quite loud but then quietens down into a mellow throb heightened my senses – for all of you yet to get your cars, I STRONGLY urge you to savour this moment – it is an incredible experience. I just gazed at all the wizardry in front of me and took in the smell of the inside for a couple of minutes. I then switched the engine off and we went back inside to do the paperwork.

After this, we then spent 1.5 hrs going through car and set up etc. I won’t bore you all with this. I have set car up for docile mode on the key and then the M button lunatic mode – though whilst running in car I won’t be using M button – don’t see the point and it’s something more to look forward to!!

So eventually, 1630 hrs I drive off, with a huge grin inside and out on my face.

A small journey took me out of town and first impressions were the car felt solid yet agile. Steering was easy and I know what other people mean by that initial lack of steering feel but with town steering you want things easy so whilst the initial turn lacks in feedback it quickly then gives you it. Out on the open road as things stiffen up steering becomes more connected but there is still a tiny lack of initial feedback. Whether this changes once in M dynamic mode I don't know yet.

I drove the car on A and B roads and stayed in “soft” mode throughout. There was section of bumpy B road where the front felt like it could not cope with the rebound quickly enough. I drove the same section today in sport EDC setting and it was fine.

The engine pulls well in any gear – I was most impressed with its ability to pull away from 30mph in 5th! To be honest yesterdays drive was just plodding along getting used the baby and enjoying the moment. Thrills were the engine sound and just being in her.

I then took her out in the evening to see what the lights were like and try the auto dipping headlights. Lights are brilliant but I’m not sure about the auto dipping. Seems that when the lights get reflection of road signs (we have black and white stripe diagonal signs for corners - that they dip down – which I was not impressed with. I will need to try some more night driving before I decide if it is a worthwhile option.

Today I went for another drive and have hit over 200 miles. I opened her up a bit on a couple of stretches of dual carriageway in 4th, 5th and 6th to 5000 rpm and in normal mode it was quite something. Goodness only knows what she will be like when I can go mental…..

Engine sound was again amazing. If your in a high gear tootling at 2000rpm and you accelerate away, there is a sudden deepening of noise which then rises to a higher pitch – if you have ever watched any WWII movies and listened to the fighter planes, that is the nearest I can explain – simply amazing.

Brakes appear to be good, but I have been using them gently but once the pedal is pressed they stop her immediately with great progression. What there like when there hot we’ll have to wait and see.

Gear box is SWEET! Changing up and down when "on the move" is fantastic - you can really get some smooth changes going,like cutting through butter with a hot knife.

She is thirsty. I filled her up last night for £65.00 and having done 86 miles she has just over half a tank left….. I hope she becomes more fuel-efficient…

Two things annoy me – first is I keep hearing the DVD wiz around and when the seat belt arm goes back it catches the side and has marked it already.

Seat position has taken a while to get best fit but there are loads of positions and I think I am nearly there. Side grip on seats is great. Steering wheel felt weird at first (too thick), but now I love it.

iDrive is a doddle to use.

As you can see I have taken a few photos and if any of you want something more specific, let me know.

Clearly I have much more to explore in terms of performance etc, but cannot do this until I have properly run her in. I will continue to update on my thoughts, but I am truly enjoying the car and it is amazing. It is worth the wait.

I knew you would ask for pics, immediately. I am curious as to the fascination. Is it the reality, easier to see it happening for yourself, better angles/shots, etc. What is it? For me the personal pics are a love/hate thing, hate being the damn US release date...

I knew you would ask for pics, immediately. I am curious as to the fascination. Is it the reality, easier to see it happening for yourself, better angles/shots, etc. What is it? For me the personal pics are a love/hate thing, hate being the damn US release date...

I didn't ask. He already offered to take pics and I was just reassuring him they would be appreciated.

The pictures have a different feel to them when you see them parked in someome's driveway. Plus, each pic is a further chance for me to evaluate color options and the act of purchasing.

Congratulations!!!! Bet your still smiling, I am! Last night, for the first time, sat there and red the manual (with a bottle of Jack) and picked up so much stuff. The first milestone is 300 miles, then you just need to get it to 1250 miles before accessing that engine to the max.

I now realise that folding door mirrors don't fold from the key like they used to; apparently BMW have stopped that. Oh... and don't be alarmed if the oil gauge take a while to measure oil level; it doesn't operate if the engine is not fully warmed up.

Look forward to your detailed comments. Cheers. JB!

EDIT: Hey, you can now officially change the car that you drive in your profile!

Congratulations!!!! Bet your still smiling, I am! Last night, for the first time, sat there and red the manual (with a bottle of Jack) and picked up so much stuff. The first milestone is 300 miles, then you just need to get it to 1250 miles before accessing that engine to the max.

I now realise that folding door mirrors don't fold from the key like they used to; apparently BMW have stopped that. Oh... and don't be alarmed if the oil gauge take a while to measure oil level; it doesn't operate if the engine is not fully warmed up.

Look forward to your detailed comments. Cheers. JB!

EDIT: Hey, you can now officially change the car that you drive in your profile!

Good to hear that some owners actually read the manual. For some reason, I have found that alot of owners don't read it and then ask all sorts of questions that are covered by the manual.
Even better to do it with a bottle of Jack!

I enjoy personal pictures as well. For all the reasons mentioned above. Besides, when is more pictures ever a bad thing? It definitely helps us celebrate the new purchase and helps the owner share his joyous experience.

I arrived at my dealer 1345 hrs, anxiously looking around for a space grey M3 – nothing was spotted outside. I went in and was greeted by the smooth sales manager who directed me to one of his M3 guys. After the usual greetings we sat down and he asked “you been waiting long for this…..? I laughed and obviously looked like “what do you think dude?” He then said, “I’ll go and fetch her.” Five minutes later he came back and we walked out to the front of the showroom. He had reversed her up so as I walked outside the first thing I saw was the left rear arch which then led to the whole beautiful thing. I stood behind the rear and just looked for a minute in silence. I’m not quite sure why I did – I guess the shock of actually seeing “my” car after a long wait, the beauty of her etc. A few other people were there and they all commented on what an awesome car she was.

He then said should I start her up? I said no – I will, so I got in, adjusted the seat, put the key in, pressed the clutch down and pressed the starter key. A mix of electronics and the bursting into life of a metallic V8 – which initially is quite loud but then quietens down into a mellow throb heightened my senses – for all of you yet to get your cars, I STRONGLY urge you to savour this moment – it is an incredible experience. I just gazed at all the wizardry in front of me and took in the smell of the inside for a couple of minutes. I then switched the engine off and we went back inside to do the paperwork.

After this, we then spent 1.5 hrs going through car and set up etc. I won’t bore you all with this. I have set car up for docile mode on the key and then the M button lunatic mode – though whilst running in car I won’t be using M button – don’t see the point and it’s something more to look forward to!!

So eventually, 1630 hrs I drive off, with a huge grin inside and out on my face.

A small journey took me out of town and first impressions were the car felt solid yet agile. Steering was easy and I know what other people mean by that initial lack of steering feel but with town steering you want things easy so whilst the initial turn lacks in feedback it quickly then gives you it. Out on the open road as things stiffen up steering becomes more connected but there is still a tiny lack of initial feedback. Whether this changes once in M dynamic mode I don't know yet.

I drove the car on A and B roads and stayed in “soft” mode throughout. There was section of bumpy B road where the front felt like it could not cope with the rebound quickly enough. I drove the same section today in sport EDC setting and it was fine.

The engine pulls well in any gear – I was most impressed with its ability to pull away from 30mph in 5th! To be honest yesterdays drive was just plodding along getting used the baby and enjoying the moment. Thrills were the engine sound and just being in her.

I then took her out in the evening to see what the lights were like and try the auto dipping headlights. Lights are brilliant but I’m not sure about the auto dipping. Seems that when the lights get reflection of road signs (we have black and white stripe diagonal signs for corners - that they dip down – which I was not impressed with. I will need to try some more night driving before I decide if it is a worthwhile option.

Today I went for another drive and have hit over 200 miles. I opened her up a bit on a couple of stretches of dual carriageway in 4th, 5th and 6th to 5000 rpm and in normal mode it was quite something. Goodness only knows what she will be like when I can go mental…..

Engine sound was again amazing. If your in a high gear tootling at 2000rpm and you accelerate away, there is a sudden deepening of noise which then rises to a higher pitch – if you have ever watched any WWII movies and listened to the fighter planes, that is the nearest I can explain – simply amazing.

Brakes appear to be good, but I have been using them gently but once the pedal is pressed they stop her immediately with great progression. What there like when there hot we’ll have to wait and see.

Gear box is SWEET! Changing up and down when "on the move" is fantastic - you can really get some smooth changes going,like cutting through butter with a hot knife.

She is thirsty. I filled her up last night for £65.00 and having done 86 miles she has just over half a tank left….. I hope she becomes more fuel-efficient…

Two things annoy me – first is I keep hearing the DVD wiz around and when the seat belt arm goes back it catches the side and has marked it already.

Seat position has taken a while to get best fit but there are loads of positions and I think I am nearly there. Side grip on seats is great. Steering wheel felt weird at first (too thick), but now I love it.

iDrive is a doddle to use.

As you can see I have taken a few photos and if any of you want something more specific, let me know.

Clearly I have much more to explore in terms of performance etc, but cannot do this until I have properly run her in. I will continue to update on my thoughts, but I am truly enjoying the car and it is amazing. It is worth the wait.